Linear tracking turntables, whatever happened?

DG/BDP - thx for the replies.

Bdp24 - The LP DOES however need to be slid under the manifold, which is locked in position over the back of the LP, about half way between it’s center hole and it’s perimeter.

Eric - My turntable shelf was custom made. It sits 18 inches high and when I load or remove a record I am much higher than the table, looking down. I find it an ergonomic way of loading and removing vinyl, with arms extended.

Thinking about that manifold permanently fixed over the platter,  I can't seem to get Beach Limbo out of my mind. I have had accidents in the past with the record and stylus. I need a clear runway when landing and taking off.

Cheers

The tip of the long cue bar is  only point of potentially destructive contact with a carelessly handled LP.  I added a small rubber nipple to the tip to address that. 

Chris, I’m picturing you on your knees in front of your 18" high turntable shelf, cleaning your stylus and records. Adds to the "ritual" aspect of LP playing that analog detractors are fond of citing ;-) .

Eric. Cleaning the record is not an issue. Cleaning the stylus however requires a one knee drop. I don't like to talk about my knees. I have runners knees. At middle age my Doc says my hearing is great, like a young mans, but my knees are old age. 8^(

You mentioned that you like the armwand pointing at you. With La Platine, it is a design that can be positioned - turned, so the armwand is pointing anywhere on the clock really. Like wise the motor can go left, back or to the right. Kinda cool.
I am very familiar with the short arm wand as I still own a Dy navector hybrid tonearm. I know that Bruce did a lot testing before he settled on the length of the ET2 armwand.  

Just to give you all a laugh and bring this thread back to the actual area I first envisioned.
I bought an old Sansui P-L45 table in working order but no stylus.
Fitted a replacement AT stylus that was correct to the AT p mount cart in it and spun an album.

I am honestly shocked just how nice it sounds!
For a grand sum of $55 all in.

Talk about the high life!